Nairobi records 8 attempted cyber attacks as firm advocates for reporting

17 May 2017

Eight attempted attacks related to the  WannaCryptor computer Ransomware were recorded in Kenya between May 14 to 16, by Internet Security company  ESET East Africa.

In Africa, worst hit country was Egypt which recorded 1,592 attempts followed by South Africa at 386 and Nigeria at 42 attempts out of the 15 countries that registered attack attempts.

During that period a ransom ware virus, which goes by the name Winery or WannaCrypt0r or WanaDecrypt0r, has been reported to have infected tens of thousands in many countries around the world.

Most at risk are those using computers running on old Windows operating systems especially Windows XP. Microsoft however has said it would roll out the update to users of older operating systems.

In an interview, Internet security company ESET East Africa said legislation to compel organisations to share or release information to a supervirosy authority, affected individuals or organisations in case of cybersecurity breaches would help fight computer related threats.

According to Teddy Njoroge, ESET Country Manager in charge of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, this would help responsible branches of government, businesses as well as

Cybersecurity services vendors to keep ahead of cyber-criminals.

“Due to the siloed and secretive manner in which breaches are reported in Kenya, another attack similar to ‘WannaCryptor’ ransomware could be devastating if directed to critical institutions such as health, government and especially the financial services sector”, he said.

Read More HERE.

Source - Standard Media

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